Applications are now open for West Virginia’s Hope Scholarship, marking the first time the program is fully available to all students statewide.
Why this matters:
Beginning with the 2026–2027 school year, all school-age children in West Virginia are eligible, regardless of prior enrollment. This represents a major milestone in expanding access to flexible learning opportunities for families.
What’s happening:
- Families can apply starting March 2, 2026, through the Hope Scholarship portal.
- The scholarship provides families with state education funds that can be used for approved expenses like private school tuition, tutoring, curriculum, and specialized services.
- Awards are expected to average about $5,435 per student for the upcoming school year, based on state per-pupil funding levels.
Zoom out:
When West Virginia enacted the Hope Scholarship in 2021, it was the nation’s most expansive education savings account policy, designed to become universally available once fully implemented. With universal eligibility now in effect, the program reaches that milestone, ensuring every student in the state can access flexible education funding.
What we’re saying:
“The Hope Scholarship was designed from the start to ensure every student could participate, and today that vision becomes reality. Universal eligibility ensures every family in West Virginia is empowered with access to education funding that can be used in a learning environment aligned with their child’s needs. This milestone reflects a clear commitment to expanding opportunity for every West Virginia kid.”
-Heidie Nesset, vice president of implementation, yes. every kid. foundation.
Bottom line:
With universal eligibility now in effect, West Virginia ensures every family has access to education funding designed to support their child’s individual learning needs.
Learn more: Families can apply at HopeScholarshipWV.com.
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